Dubai Desert Safari & Camel Ride with Pickup

Summary

Morning or Evening Red Dune Safari with Local Guide

Ride across Dubai’s Lehbab Desert with a local guide: try dune bashing in a 4WD, test your balance on a sandboard, and meet camels up close. With hotel pickup and unlimited water included, you’ll feel both exhilarated and strangely peaceful — moments you’ll remember long after leaving the dunes behind.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried sandboarding before?” our guide Khalid grinned at me in the rearview mirror as we bounced out of Dubai. I just laughed — honestly, I was still waking up, clutching my coffee while the city faded behind us. The drive took maybe 45 minutes, but it felt shorter somehow; the buildings gave way to open desert so fast I barely noticed. By the time we hit the Lehbab dunes, the sun was already warming up the red sand and there was this dry, mineral smell in the air that I can’t really describe — just pure desert.

I didn’t expect dune bashing to be such a rush. Khalid cranked up some Arabic pop and suddenly we were flying over these huge waves of sand, tires sliding sideways. My friend shrieked (I might’ve too), but then we all started laughing because it felt like being on a rollercoaster you can’t see the end of. Afterward, when everything went quiet again, he handed us boards for sandboarding — which is way harder than it looks by the way. I fell twice before getting the hang of it; sand got everywhere but honestly, who cares?

The camel ride was slower — almost meditative after all that adrenaline. The camels made these low grumbling sounds and their fur was rougher than I expected. There was this moment where everything just stilled: no cars, no city noise, just wind and distant voices from another group somewhere over a dune. If you do the evening safari you get sunset too (we did morning), but even without it there’s something about that emptiness that sticks with you. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari Adventure

• Drive to Lehbab Desert
• Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel ride

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari take from pickup?

The drive from Dubai city limits to Lehbab Desert is about 45 minutes each way.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from anywhere within Dubai city limits are included.

What activities are part of this Dubai desert safari?

The tour includes dune bashing, sandboarding, and a short camel ride experience.

Is water provided during the tour?

Yes, unlimited mineral water is included throughout your desert safari.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

Are quad bikes available on this safari?

Quad biking is available if you select that option when booking.

Will there be a guide during the desert safari?

Yes, a highly professional licensed safari guide will accompany you.

Is this tour suitable for people with spinal injuries?

No, it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off anywhere within Dubai city limits in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle; guided dune bashing in Lehbab’s red dunes; all equipment for sandboarding; unlimited mineral water; a short camel ride experience; plus sunset views if you choose the evening option — all led by an experienced local guide before returning to your hotel.